This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:01] Latrice Royale: This is Latrice Royale and you're listening to Behind the Awards.

[0:13] Eila Mell: Hello and welcome to Behind the Awards. I'm Eila. I'm here with Bruce.

[0:18] Bruce Gotlieb: Hello there. How are you doing?

[0:20] Eila Mell: I'm good. I'm excited about our guest today. We have a biggie to me and to you, Latrice Royale.

[0:27] Bruce Gotlieb: Yes, Latrice Royale is joining us and having the opportunity to see her perform in her 54 Below debut was exciting and thrilling and just so much fun.

[0:40] Eila Mell: Yeah, so you got to go with a couple of our friends.

[0:44] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, a group of friends.

[0:46] Eila Mell: And so you said that our friend Connie got singled out. What happened?

[0:49] Bruce Gotlieb: Oh, Constance.

[0:51] Eila Mell: Constance, well, she was formal that night.

[0:52] Bruce Gotlieb: She was very formal. We were sitting in this banquette that was literally just center. And there was a guest performer that was there. And the two of them locked eyes and they just said, Excuse me, what's your name? And she said her name. And that was then worked into the subsequent song.

[1:18] Eila Mell: Oh, how fun.

[1:19] Bruce Gotlieb: They had their moment, which was just hilarious. The place went nuts. And then Latrice, after the show, was waiting just a little meet and greet to say hello to everybody. And when we got up, Latrice said, was saying hello and everyone was introducing and she said, I know you Constance.

[1:36] Eila Mell: It was great.

[1:37] Bruce Gotlieb: That is great. So I watched Drag Race for a few seasons and then for whatever reason, I just sort of trickled off. But I want my favorite segment always was Snatch Game.

[1:50] Latrice Royale: Well, you know, it's fun because that's, you know, RuPaul grew up in that time when, you know, those not only that game show, but game shows in general, I know, are something that RuPaul loves.

[2:05] Eila Mell: Oh, okay.

[2:06] Latrice Royale: So that's kind of what lends itself to it. The one thing I will say in current seasons, it's gotten away from the panel format of like, you know, the six.

[2:16] Eila Mell: Oh, really? And what is it now?

[2:18] Latrice Royale: Now they'll do like, you know, Snatch Game of Love and they'll be like the newlywed game.

[2:23] Eila Mell: Oh, okay.

[2:24] Latrice Royale: They're still doing the impressions.

[2:26] Eila Mell: Yeah.

[2:27] Latrice Royale: Some of them are a little bit more successful than others.

[2:29] Eila Mell: Right, right.

[2:30] Latrice Royale: So I enjoy more just the regular panel part.

[2:33] Eila Mell: Yeah.

[2:35] Latrice Royale: I also have very high expectations because I feel like, especially now we're in season, what, 18 or something like that, these girls that are auditioning should know what they're getting themselves into and have a character prepared.

[2:46] Eila Mell: Sometimes when you're watching the show and they're in the room and they're like, I don't know what to do. And I'm like, you knew you were coming on.

[2:53] Latrice Royale: Right, that's true.

[2:54] Eila Mell: Surprise.

[2:55] Latrice Royale: Yeah, that's a very good point.

[2:57] Eila Mell: You know, I didn't stop watching for any reason in particular.

[3:00] Latrice Royale: I think I just, it was in between seasons and I just forgot to go back.

[3:04] Eila Mell: So now I think I can binge so many seasons at once.

[3:07] Latrice Royale: I'm sure you can.

[3:08] Eila Mell: What a treat.

[3:10] Latrice Royale: Yeah, and season four when Latrice was, Aretha Franklin was her choice for a Snatch Game contestant, which really is quite perfect if you think about it, because as our listeners will hear, and not to give too much of the interview away, she opens up her show with her own rendition of Respect.

[3:27] Eila Mell: And her new tour is called The Queen of Soul.

[3:32] Latrice Royale: Oh, it's perfect.

[3:34] Eila Mell: It's perfect.

[3:35] Latrice Royale: All right, let's bring her out.

[3:36] Eila Mell: I can't wait anymore.

[3:37] Bruce Gotlieb: Let's do it.

[3:40] Eila Mell: Well, Bruce, we are beyond excited and thrilled to welcome Latrice Royale to our show.

[3:46] Latrice Royale: Hello there.

[3:47] Latrice Royale: Well, hello.

[3:48] Latrice Royale: Thank you so much for taking the time to join us.

[3:51] Latrice Royale: Well, thank you for having me.

[3:52] Eila Mell: Well, we had to because Bruce went to your amazing show and told me all about it.

[3:57] Latrice Royale: Oh, did he?

[3:58] Eila Mell: Yes, at 54 Below, we had such a blast.

[4:02] Latrice Royale: Oh my goodness.

[4:03] Latrice Royale: Thank you.

[4:04] Latrice Royale: Thank you.

[4:05] Latrice Royale: And that was your debut at 54 Below?

[4:07] Latrice Royale: It was.

[4:08] Latrice Royale: It was.

[4:09] Latrice Royale: Yeah, it's been a long time coming, apparently.

[4:12] Latrice Royale: And I'm glad we made such a wonderful splash.

[4:16] Latrice Royale: It was two great nights. Like, both nights were incredible. So no complaint, no regret.

[4:24] Eila Mell: Well, the thing that's great is that, you know, you were able to, you know, last summer you got the opportunity to be at a Gunnquit Playhouse doing Little Shop.

[4:32] Latrice Royale: Yes.

[4:33] Latrice Royale: And I think people that know you from probably Drag Racer or other incarnations of what you do don't realize that you're a musical theater girl and you love to flex that muscle.

[4:43] Latrice Royale: I do.

[4:44] Latrice Royale: So this is the opportunity to be in the heart of the theater district and sing some show tunes.

[4:48] Latrice Royale: Absolutely.

[4:49] Latrice Royale: I mean, it doesn't get gayer than that.

[4:54] Latrice Royale: You know, I did musical theater in high school and then that was the extent of it. You know, obviously took a different path and Color Guard became my passion. And then I started doing drag and it's been a weird, but really the journey has all been to build in this moment because I use every aspect of everything that I've ever done and was passionate about in my drag art form.

[5:17] Latrice Royale: And so to be able to merge all those worlds together is just a dream. So, yeah, being able to do musical theater and in drag. Come on now.

[5:29] Eila Mell: Well, also because that the voice of Audrey too is usually done off stage.

[5:34] Latrice Royale: Correct.

[5:35] Latrice Royale: Correct.

[5:36] Latrice Royale: So was it now were you on stage because it was you?

[5:40] Latrice Royale: Yes, of course.

[5:43] Latrice Royale: Like if we're going to do this, we cannot have the streets rail backstage like that's just doesn't make sense up in the sound like that doesn't even make it wouldn't be a waste. And so they really got the team together to figure out a particular way to showcase me in all my glory. And when me and the designers and got together and just started brainstorming and, you know, I was showing standard. I was like, look, we can't do this or better. We don't need to do this. They took it and ran with it. And so I don't know if you've seen pictures of the costume and all that glory. Yeah, it was spectacular. And they built the set like it was a showpiece. It was it was who better? And like, I got to dance, you know, the full production.

[6:37] Eila Mell: Well, Bruce and I, you know, we were talking and we're thinking what you could come into next or, you know, originate a role. So we're waiting for you to come back to theater.

[6:46] Latrice Royale: And thank you. Like, the thing of it is, is I said for a very long time that people just don't know what to do with me. But when they figure it out, it's always magical because it's the right fit. And I don't do projects that doesn't fit. Like, if it doesn't make sense to me, I'm not the one. Like, I'm going to make it work. I'm not going to squeeze into this and try to make this work. It's going to be awkward. So, you know, choosing the right projects and being in the right role is always important to me. But if you just use your imagination, get out of the box, it can be magical.

[7:21] Eila Mell: So we're trying to manifest. The dream would be.

[7:24] Latrice Royale: Jinx Monsoon as Audrey Latrice Royale as Audrey, too.

[7:33] Eila Mell: I mean, why not?

[7:34] Latrice Royale: I mean, why not? That is a sellout for at least a year straight.

[7:39] Bruce Gotlieb: Call Michael Mayer. We're putting it out loud so the whole world can hear.

[7:47] Latrice Royale: That's right.

[7:48] Latrice Royale: That would be amazing.

[7:50] Latrice Royale: Yes.

[7:51] Latrice Royale: I mean, yeah, I think you guys would be like extension upon extension.

[7:55] Latrice Royale: Correct.

[7:56] Latrice Royale: Correct.

[7:59] Latrice Royale: Yeah, people would travel for that. I'm telling you, it's a sellout. We just got to get these people to get out of their own way.

[8:08] Latrice Royale: While that's waiting to happen, I want the people of Chicago, the musical to, I don't know, maybe.

[8:14] Latrice Royale: I'm ready for that.

[8:15] Latrice Royale: Ready for that, too.

[8:17] Latrice Royale: Yes.

[8:18] Latrice Royale: Mama Morton, I think, is just right there.

[8:20] Eila Mell: Yes.

[8:21] Latrice Royale: I'm ready.

[8:22] Latrice Royale: Locked and loaded.

[8:24] Latrice Royale: Or even Roxy or Velma, if we're thinking outside the box.

[8:27] Eila Mell: Why not?

[8:28] Latrice Royale: Why not, right?

[8:29] Latrice Royale: That's right. I feel like we're in a time right now where people are finally opening up and giving people chances who maybe might not be the way we always thought of them all.

[8:42] Eila Mell: But why not?

[8:43] Latrice Royale: Why not? Because we need to grow, evolve.

[8:48] Eila Mell: Exactly.

[8:49] Latrice Royale: You know what I mean? We've got to grow because people are going to get bored and it gets stale.

[8:56] Eila Mell: Well, Cats is a perfect example.

[8:58] Latrice Royale: I can't wait for this year's Cats.

[9:00] Eila Mell: I'm coming to see the Angelica Ball.

[9:02] Latrice Royale: Are you?

[9:03] Eila Mell: Oh, I've got to see that.

[9:04] Latrice Royale: I know. I mean, it was sold out and it was doing so well before it went to Broadway. So, like, the fact that it's there.

[9:12] Latrice Royale: Right.

[9:13] Latrice Royale: Yeah.

[9:14] Latrice Royale: And Andre DeShields. Come on.

[9:15] Eila Mell: Exactly.

[9:17] Latrice Royale: Come on.

[9:19] Latrice Royale: So, this is the thing that's outside the box.

[9:21] Eila Mell: Yes.

[9:22] Latrice Royale: And it's giving, like, full ballroom culture.

[9:24] Eila Mell: Ballroom is on Broadway.

[9:27] Latrice Royale: That's right. Amazing.

[9:29] Latrice Royale: Love it.

[9:30] Latrice Royale: So, I went to high school with Octavia St. Laurent.

[9:32] Eila Mell: Did you?

[9:33] Latrice Royale: I did.

[9:34] Latrice Royale: I did.

[9:35] Latrice Royale: Who can say that?

[9:37] Eila Mell: I know.

[9:38] Latrice Royale: Very few of us.

[9:40] Latrice Royale: Oh my goodness.

[9:42] Latrice Royale: Yes.

[9:43] Latrice Royale: Amazing.

[9:44] Latrice Royale: Right.

[9:45] Eila Mell: So, I so appreciate this.

[9:47] Latrice Royale: You get it.

[9:48] Latrice Royale: You get it.

[9:49] Latrice Royale: This experience.

[9:50] Eila Mell: Yeah, absolutely.

[9:51] Latrice Royale: I love that.

[9:52] Eila Mell: All right. So, let's jump in. Because I don't know if you watched the America's Next Top Model documentary that just came out.

[9:59] Latrice Royale: What would you have to say if there was a RuPaul's Drag Race documentary?

[10:04] Latrice Royale: Oh, my God. It's so funny that you said that. He just said that. We're like, oh, what's Drag Race next?

[10:09] Eila Mell: Well, you know, there would be some things.

[10:23] Latrice Royale: Call it questions.

[10:24] Latrice Royale: No, to that extent. You know what I mean? Like, there's no scandal like that. I mean, really like, for the most part, I mean, other than everybody blaming the editing because they do people in stunts in the editing room. You know, that's just part of it. It's a television show and somebody's got to be a villain and somebody's got to be, you know, whatever. And so, I get it.

[10:49] Latrice Royale: But that top model situation, there are a lot of things that I was watching in real time. You know, I was a huge fan of the show.

[10:56] Eila Mell: Oh, me too.

[10:57] Latrice Royale: Yeah. You know, we were cringed then. Like, especially whenever it's like, we're going to swap races. Baby, no.

[11:04] Eila Mell: I know.

[11:07] Latrice Royale: That has never been an okay thing.

[11:10] Eila Mell: I know.

[11:11] Latrice Royale: So, you know, like things like that. Like, we like call it a question. And then, like, when we watched the Shandy situation, we, I think, as a collective, just looked at it as she got white girl wasted and regretted it.

[11:26] Eila Mell: Right.

[11:27] Latrice Royale: But it was much deeper than that. And so, now we are looking back and I feel bad, like, thinking that she was just white girl wasted.

[11:35] Eila Mell: But it doesn't matter.

[11:36] Latrice Royale: Right. Especially when you see how damaged she is by it.

[11:40] Eila Mell: Correct.

[11:41] Latrice Royale: Oh, it's so sad.

[11:42] Eila Mell: So sad.

[11:43] Latrice Royale: It could have been prevented.

[11:44] Eila Mell: Yeah.

[11:45] Latrice Royale: 100%.

[11:46] Eila Mell: There were people there.

[11:47] Latrice Royale: Yeah.

[11:48] Latrice Royale: They filmed it like they were filming.

[11:49] Eila Mell: Right.

[11:50] Latrice Royale: Now we're thinking about, like, this was like, they're just sitting there with the cameras on this.

[11:52] Eila Mell: Wild.

[11:53] Latrice Royale: Wild.

[11:54] Eila Mell: I know.

[11:55] Latrice Royale: I know.

[11:56] Latrice Royale: And nobody said anything.

[11:57] Eila Mell: Yeah.

[11:58] Latrice Royale: This might be the line that we've crossed.

[12:00] Eila Mell: This is the line.

[12:01] Latrice Royale: Right.

[12:02] Latrice Royale: But they were making reality TV. You know what I mean? And so, yeah.

[12:05] Eila Mell: Right.

[12:06] Latrice Royale: Well, so, how real is Drag Race in your estimation?

[12:12] Latrice Royale: Well, it's real when you're there. The fantasy happens in the editing room.

[12:17] Eila Mell: Exactly.

[12:18] Latrice Royale: Right. You know, that's where the magic happens.

[12:23] Latrice Royale: So, you know, everyone has their own experiences. And, like, I would say going in personally on my original season, Before You See Behind the Curtain.

[12:36] Latrice Royale: Before you know anything and you're very green and you're real earnest when you go in there, you just want to do well. That experience never could be recaptured from an All Stars or another situation because now you've seen behind the green curtain and you know when they're trying to hit you and you know, you know what I mean? You just know things and so that experience is different. So the girls go in producing themselves and that's when it gets real dicey. Dicey and spicy. But yeah, it really depends on the person. You do have to have a strong mental because of the fandom. The fandom is really toxic and has gotten worse every year. People are just bold and feel like they can say whatever they want to say.

And you just have to have a thick skin. My advice is don't engage with that. I received the love. It takes one negative thing to throw my mood off and I'm like, why am I giving this so much power? That is crazy. Look at all of this love and you're going to give that the power? So it takes a lot of reshifting and talking to yourself. But if you don't have that strong sense of you, you can get caught up and it's damaging. And so these queens need aftercare for their mental. Really, that's the real talk.

[14:04] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah. Right. Because even somebody such as yourself who, you know, the fans, you know, embraced and you were Miss Congeniality and like all of the things that, you know, were building you up. Yeah. But then you leave that, right? You leave that environment and it's like, well, now what? Now what do I do? What do you do?

[14:24] Latrice Royale: Yeah. Do you feel like you have some anonymity, though? Because, you know, if you're not in your drag, maybe a lot of people don't know that it's you.

[14:28] Bruce Gotlieb: Oh, no. Because they show us on both fronts.

[14:34] Latrice Royale: Yeah. So they show us in and out. And so everybody knows you. And like, there's no escaping me because like, if it's not the look, as soon as I open my mouth, they're like, ah, there's you. You know, they know who you are.

[14:52] Bruce Gotlieb: Exactly. So it happens all the time.

[14:54] Latrice Royale: Yeah. But what a thrill to be chosen, you know, from all the people that apply. Look at that. Like, that's what I said. One of the chosen. And then to be one of the more chosen ones. Like, Ru brings me back to play in the sandbox with her on major projects. You know, like, she invited me into the writer's room for AJ and the Queen. And so I came on as creative consultant. And so that was a major move for me. Yeah. And being able to just hear from her saying, you have stories to tell. This is what you should be doing. This is what you're doing. And, you know, I just love it. And she sees she sees me. And although I never won the crown, she treats me as one of her queens, for sure. It doesn't matter who wins. I mean, that's what you don't remember. This is what you do after. It really is.

[15:47] Bruce Gotlieb: Bruce and I were just talking the other day. Look at Jennifer Hudson.

[15:54] Latrice Royale: One hundred percent that. Right. Right. It's almost better if you don't win.

[15:59] Bruce Gotlieb: I agree. I agree. I agree.

[16:00] Latrice Royale: So, you know, what I think is so important, though, about Drag Race is that kids can see themselves in a way that you just never could on TV before. The only time growing up I ever saw anyone who was in drag treated respectfully and not as the butt of a joke was Beverly LaSalle on All in the Family. That was the only character. And so at least, you know, people are getting to see that, you know, you're just people. Everyone's the same. We all are. We all are.

[16:35] Bruce Gotlieb: And it's just, you know, we've been fighting the same narrative since the beginning of time. And like you could have willful ignorance if you want and choose to believe those stereotypes and things, but the truth and the fact of the matter is we are not.

[17:01] Latrice Royale: After your kids, we don't like kids like that. I don't know kids. I think other people's kids are great for them. And by the way, there's no no drag queens in the Epstein Files. That part because we wouldn't get caught dead at one of those parties any which way. So, you know, it's like it's just crazy to think and bizarre to think that anything but joy is what we want for people. So that's why we do it. They use kids as an excuse anyway. And it is just stupid. It doesn't work. Yes. Get some gun control. Then we can talk about how much.

[17:39] Bruce Gotlieb: Right. Yeah.

[17:40] Latrice Royale: Yeah. When you started out in your drag career, did you ever think that like where you are now with like, you know, touring with your show and do all these things? Was that always the goal? Not necessarily taking these steps to get there. But one day I want to be a performer.

[17:56] Latrice Royale: No, I didn't know what my life was going to be. I did know that I loved entertainment. I never aspired to be a drag queen. I never thought I would ever do drag. It was not my juice. I was I was like, ah, never catch me in the dress. And yeah, we did it, you know, we Halloween, you know, we do we do we do on Halloween.

[18:23] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah.

[18:23] Latrice Royale: And then I wound up doing the amateur show because my friends convinced me to my color guard friend. And, you know, they cheer for you. You can win. You know, you just get as well. They are. We're going to come and cheer. I still lost. But I came back the following week and then won the contest. And I knew that there was something there. I said, oh, maybe maybe I should try to keep doing this. And I did. And I got good. But the singing part of my journey came much later in my career, like it wasn't until after I met my husband, who is a musician, he plays piano, obviously, you know. Yeah. But he was the one that really encouraged me to use my voice. I just thought it was weird because I looked so gorgeous.

He to have his big old Barry White voice coming out of drag. And when we first started doing my show, I used to do like a more hybrid show. I would do half live, half lip sync. And we found that they were more engaged with my singing than they cared about the lip sync because they knew I could do that already. Oh, OK. So I got to learn more stuff.

[19:39] Latrice Royale: The great thing is that you're taking songs that people know and you're adding your own flair. That part. Respect. I have to like you have to Latrice if I whatever you do, I'm not doing what everybody else is doing. That's right. So, yeah. Yeah. And that took us a long time. It was a friend of ours, David Sexton, who was the one to brought it to our attention. You know that. L.A.T.R.I.C.E. is the same as R.E.S.P.E.C.T. I was like. So he started writing up a little writing up some lyrics, you know, to switch it up. And then I went back in and revised it and fine tuned it and made it my own. And I was like, this is this is my new intro. Here we go. All right. So now I have my own version.

[20:40] Bruce Gotlieb: That's amazing.

[20:41] Latrice Royale: Yeah, definitely. Where did the name Latrice come from?

[20:48] Latrice Royale: OK, so when I was in elementary school, I had my little bestie. We were recess buddies. Her name was Latrice. She is beautiful, little black girl, caramel skin. But, you know, back in the day, you know, the little black girls had their hair in the little barrettes and the little bow. Her hair would be full. It would be so like spiral twisted, silky with little barrettes all over her head. It was the cutest thing. She was my little home. That was my bestie. I had a little crush on her. That was Latrice. And so when I first signed up for my first drag show, all I knew was my name is going to be Latrice. And they're like Latrice what? And I was like, I looked at my friend. I'm like, I don't know. I don't know. And he's like, well, you're chocolatey and fudgy, like a Royale, like a chocolate Royale. So Latrice Royale. I mean, that's what my friend Matt Cottle, may he rest in peace, gave me my last name Royale. So Latrice Royale has been for 33 years.

[22:04] Bruce Gotlieb: Wow. Have you seen the other Latrice?

[22:06] Latrice Royale: No, I wouldn't even know where to find her. I don't know her last name.

[22:11] Bruce Gotlieb: Well, she can find you.

[22:12] Latrice Royale: She could, but how would she know that I'm that? You know what I mean? I do put it down from Compton. That's in there. So like from Compton, we went to Caldwell Street School, Latrice. Call him up.

[22:28] Bruce Gotlieb: Was it hard to find people like-minded in Compton who had the same passions?

[22:34] Latrice Royale: Maybe. No, Compton was not the place for me. No, that was gang, military. I'm the youngest of five boys in our household. And I was the one that was a little different. But like two of my brothers were in gangs, two of them were in the military. And so those were choices that were not for me. I knew that. My mother called me her special child. She did indeed. But it was knowing that she didn't want the same path for me as my brother. So she started sending me to Long Beach so I could be with them different ways.

[23:10] Bruce Gotlieb: So that's where you did theater?

[23:12] Latrice Royale: Yeah. And then we moved to the Valley. So I went to Polytech in Sun Valley, so we lived out there. And then we moved to Merino Valley. And that's where I was doing musical theater in Merino Valley.

[23:28] Bruce Gotlieb: Gotcha. You also have had the opportunity with RuPaul, like the extension, to do, I guess, seems like a rotating cast that comes into the Vegas show.

[23:33] Latrice Royale: Oh, I did. Yes, I did. I did do a great. Oh, no, no, no. That has that moment has passed. She has done her time. No, it was great. I did two and a half years there, you know, on and off doing residencies six months at a time, you know what I mean? So like, I had got my feel. That was wonderful. It was great. Two great spinoff shows for Drag Race Live Untucked. You know, that was wonderful. But it was time to move on. So yeah, we've moved on.

[24:12] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, I mean, I think that's the right thing, because you don't want to get stuck and only known for, you know, people know that you do other things. They know you do theater, they know that you have these concerts. You don't want to just be known for Drag Race, I'm sure.

[24:26] Latrice Royale: No, 100%. Because I mean, as long as the show is in existence, I will always and forever be known for that. But that is not the goal. I you know, I prefer people to just say Latrice Royale and not Latrice Royale and have the RuPaul's Drag Race logo there because that is not a fact anymore. You know what I mean? It's been five years. That's the time I've been on the show. I mean, I go back to like, you know, interview the girls, the young girls as I did in season 17.

[25:04] Bruce Gotlieb: Yeah, that's right.

[25:04] Latrice Royale: You know, I interview the girls and things, but like, that's a different role, you know, being a contestant.

[25:07] Bruce Gotlieb: Do you still watch the newer seasons?

[25:09] Latrice Royale: Oh, 100%. I just did a viewing party for the New York Friday. I did a viewing party for

[25:13] Eila Mell: Welcome back to Behind the Awards. We are here with the fabulous Latrice Royale, who is known for her incredible performances and her journey through the world of drag.

[25:43] Bruce Gotlieb: Latrice, you have such a rich history in performance. Can you tell us about your experience on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and what it meant to you?

[26:13] Latrice Royale: Being on "RuPaul's Drag Race" was a life-changing experience for me. It opened so many doors and allowed me to connect with fans all over the world. I was honored to be named Miss Congeniality, which really solidified my place in the drag community.

[26:43] Eila Mell: That's amazing! And you've transitioned into theater as well. How was your experience playing Audrey II in "Little Shop of Horrors"?

[27:13] Latrice Royale: Playing Audrey II was a dream come true! The character is so iconic, and I loved bringing my own flair to the role. It was a challenge, but I embraced it and had a blast performing.

[27:33] Bruce Gotlieb: You’ve also been involved in various cabaret shows. What do you enjoy most about that format?

[27:58] Latrice Royale: I love the intimacy of cabaret. It allows me to share my personal stories and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Plus, I get to showcase my singing and storytelling in a way that's really special.

[28:23] Eila Mell: Speaking of stories, can you share a memorable moment from your time on stage?

[28:51] Latrice Royale: One of my favorite moments was during a performance when the audience started singing along with me. It was such a beautiful feeling to have that connection and energy flowing between us.

[29:11] Bruce Gotlieb: That sounds incredible! You've also had a successful run in Las Vegas. What was that experience like?

[29:36] Latrice Royale: Performing in Las Vegas was surreal. The energy of the city is unmatched, and being part of "RuPaul's Drag Race: LIVE!" was an honor. The audience is always so enthusiastic, and it makes every show a joy.

[30:01] Eila Mell: You’ve also ventured into television with your role in "AJ & The Queen." How did that come about?

[30:26] Latrice Royale: I was thrilled to be part of "AJ & The Queen." I worked closely with the writers to shape my character, Faberge Leggs. It was a unique experience to bring a drag character to a scripted series.

[30:54] Bruce Gotlieb: It sounds like you’ve had quite the journey! What advice would you give to aspiring drag performers?

[31:22] Latrice Royale: My advice would be to stay true to yourself and embrace your uniqueness. The drag community is all about celebrating individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.

[31:51] Eila Mell: That's wonderful advice. As you continue your journey, what are you most excited about for the future?

[32:20] Latrice Royale: I'm excited about my upcoming solo tour, "Life Goes On." It's a chance for me to share my story and connect with fans in a new way. I can't wait to hit the road!

[32:49] Bruce Gotlieb: We can’t wait to see you perform! Thank you so much for joining us today, Latrice. It’s been a pleasure.

[33:18] Latrice Royale: Thank you for having me! I had a great time sharing my experiences with you both.

[33:46] Eila Mell: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in to this episode of Behind the Awards. Be sure to check out Latrice's upcoming projects and performances.

[34:14] Bruce Gotlieb: Until next time, keep celebrating excellence in theater, film, and TV!

[34:44] Latrice Royale: Bye everyone!

[35:08] Eila Mell: Bye!

[35:38] Bruce Gotlieb: Bye!

[36:06] Eila Mell: See you next time!

[36:34] Bruce Gotlieb: Take care!

[37:02] Eila Mell: Bye!

[37:32] Bruce Gotlieb: Bye!